Website Review: The Truth

TRUTH is a website designed for young adults focusing on the issue of teen smoking.

The website kicks off with anti-smoking public service announcements and connections to social media.

The Facts section provides text, visuals, charts, graphs, infographics, interactives, videos, and other information connecting specific topics and issues with smoking. Users are invited to react to the information to extend the experience.

The Truth Events section features activities around the world related to anti-smoking efforts. It also include interactive elements such as a quiz related to pets and tobacco.

The About section provides an overview of the website and cause. The Take Action section section encourages users to sign up for more information. Social media links extend the experience.

Librarians will find this website to be an effective resource for anti-smoking campaigns and lessons. Create a display that features the public service announcements along with health information, and books related to the anti-tobacco theme. Collaborate with the health, science, and social studies teachers for a school-wide campaign.

The Truth Initiative website is available for additional educational materials and health information.

To visit the website, go to https://www.thetruth.com.

To visit the supplemental website, go to http://truthinitiative.org/.

Book Review: Nightmare Escape

NIGHTMARE ESCAPE by Greg Grunberg and Lucas Turnbloom is the first book in the exciting new Dream Jumper graphic novel for middle grades.

Like all kids, Ben has nightmares. What makes Ben unique is that his nightmares are real and he’s able to jump into the dreams of others. When his girlfriend is caught in an endless nightmare, Ben must defeat the nightmare monster with a little help from a talking rabbit. The book’s conclusion is satisfying, but leaves many questions unanswered and ready for the next book in this engaging series.

Librarian will find this graphic novel series popular among children who enjoy fantasy and adventure. The book’s high-quality, full-color illustration will add to the appeal. Build a library display featuring GRAPHIX titles to feature this new addition to the this popular collection. Or ,create a “nightmare” display featuring books connected to dreams and nightmares.

Published by GRAPHIX, an imprint of Scholastic on June 28, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Wolf's Boy

THE WOLF’S BOY by Susan Williams Buckhorn tells the compelling story of a boy and his wolf set during the Ice Age.

Born with a clubfoot, baby Kai is left for the wolves. Miraculously he survives and forms a special bond with the wolf pack. Although shunned by his people, the boy develops a relationship with a homeless wolf cub and the pair journey into dangerous, unknown territory.

From fascinating rock art to amazing Paleolithic creatures, this carefully researched novel will bring the prehistoric time period to life for young readers.

Librarians will find a large audience among middle grade youth who enjoy action-adventure stories. The Paleolithic time period will be a particular draw as well as the animal story.

To learn more about the author, go to http://suebeckhorn.com/

Published by Disney-Hyperion on June 7, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Nameless City

NAMELESS CITY by Faith Erin Hicks is the first book in an engaging action-adventure graphic novel trilogy.

Designed for middle grades, the graphic novel adventure is set in a city whose name is constantly changing as a steady stream of invaders occupy the nation. To locals, the place is simply known as the Nameless City. Kaidu belongs to the latest occupiers. As he explores the city, he meets a local called Rat and they become friends. Together they learn about each other and work together to save their city from a new invader.

Librarians will find that graphic novel fans will be drawn to the timeless, full-color illustrations. Readers will enjoy the smart, complex characters and fast-paced storyline. This quick read will be a popular additional to the library’s graphic novel collection. Readers will be lining up for the next book in this trilogy.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.faitherinhicks.com/.

Published on April 5, 2016 by First Second, an imprint of Macmillan. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Generation On

GENERATION ON is a website exploring youth service projects from around the world.

While to website features it’s own projects, the ideas can be applied to any local service learning organization. The website is divided into resources for kids, teens, and adults.

The Kid’s section begins by providing stories about young people doing good in their communities. Next, students can explore a wide range of service areas including animal welfare, bullying and tolerance, literacy, education, environment, citizenship and civic engagement, emergency preparation and response, homelessness and poverty, health and wellness, hunger, senior citizens, peace and kindness, as well as military and veterans. Within each area students can view dozens of project ideas and examples. The resources section provides specific guidelines and fact sheets to help youth better understand the activities involved in service learning. Links are provided to games and interactives that contain background information about many of the topics such as emergency preparedness and environmental issues. Finally, current opportunities are featured to help jumpstart service learning projects.

The Teen’s section contains similar sections to the kid’s area, but includes more depth and age-appropriate activities and project examples. This section also promotes the idea of service clubs and sharing.

Parent, Educator, and Organizations sections provide information about ways to involve youth in service learning projects and detail upcoming activities.

Librarians will find endless ideas for service learning projects at this constantly updated website. A blog and calendar provide easy access to news and information about upcoming opportunities.

To visit the website, go to http://www.generationon.org/.

Book Review: Great Falls

GREAT FALLS by Steve Watkins is a young adult novel exploring the relationship between a teen and his older brother who suffers from PTSD.

When high school football star Shane agrees to go on a camping trip with his older brother Jeremy, he soon realizes he’s in over his head. Military hero Jeremy is back from deployments in Iraq and suffering from the effects of this war experiences. A canoe, alcohol, and a rifle combine for a terrifying experience that escalates around every corner as Jeremy’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic.

Watkins effectively balances the fast-paced, action with an authentic, somber examination of a suffering soldier dealing with life after war.

Librarians will find this gripping story of brotherhood to be popular among young men.

To learn more about the author, go to http://stevewatkinsbooks.com/.

Published by Candlewick on April 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Some Kind of Courage

SOME KIND OF COURAGE by Dan Gemeinhart is a endearing historical fiction adventure for middle grade readers.

Set in the state of Washington, the gripping story immerses readers in frontier life. After his guardian sells his beloved pony, Joseph sets off on a quest to find and buy back the last tie to his family. Along the way, he’s joined by an Chinese boy, lives through a bear attack, nearly drowns in river rapids, shoots an outlaw, and finds a new home. Throughout his journey, Joseph shows courage and stays true to himself.

Gemeinhart’s conversational writing style and fast-paced approach will be popular with a wide range of readers.

This authentic work of historical fiction will be a hit with children who enjoy Old West adventure, animal stories, and the great outdoors. Fans of Gary Paulsen and Will Hobbs will be clamoring for this book.

Librarians will find this middle grade novel to be popular among youth seeking both frontier adventure and a compelling story.

Learn more about the author at http://dangemeinhart.com/.

Published by Scholastic on January 26, 2016. ARC courtesy of Scholastic.

Book Review: Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth

HILO: THE BOY WHO CRASHED TO EARTH by Judd Winick is the first book in the new Hilo graphic novel, science fiction series for middle grade readers.

Readers will be enthralled with this exciting story featuring an ordinary boy named D.J. that meets a mysterious boy who falls from the sky. D.J., along with his friend Gina, help the strange other-worldly boy save the world. While children will be drawn to the robots and non-stop action, the story also features important themes related to friendship, acceptance, loyalty, and bravery.

The bright, colorful illustrations combined with the action-packed plot will have readers cheering for our latest graphic novel heroes. Librarians will find a huge audience among middle grade children who are thirsty for age-appropriate graphic novel titles. Librarians will appreciate the diverse cast of characters.

To learn more about the author, go to his website at http://www.juddspillowfort.com/.

Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on September 1, 2015.

Book Review: Hunter

HUNTER by Mercedes Lackey is a riveting dystopian fantasy for young adults.

Growing up in a remote mountain monastery, Joyeaux has been trained as a Hunter. Using a combination of magic, combat skills, and her own wits, she’s fought an array of monsters alongside her Hounds who appear from the Otherworld. When she’s summoned to protect Apex City, she’s immersed in a world where Hunters are treated like superstars and people may be as dangerous as the monsters she hunts.

From Drakken to Goblins, Lackey has created a fascinating world filled with amazing creatures. The well-developed characters are engaged in a thrilling story of sabotage and conspiracy that adds a layer of interest that goes beyond monster chasing.

Fans of The Hunger Games and other dystopian works will be attracted to the action-adventure elements along with the “hunter as action star” theme. The addition of mythological creatures and paranormal elements will increase the popularity. Librarians will quickly find a following for this fast-paced science fiction fantasy series. Lots of open questions will have readers looking for the next book.

Published by Hyperion, Disney Book Group on September 1, 2015.

Book Review: The Boys Who Challenged Hitler

THE BOYS WHO CHALLENGED HITLER: KNUD PETERSON AND THE CHURCHILL CLUB by Phillip Hoose tells the amazing true story of teens who stood up to the Nazis in Denmark during World War II.

The book’s introduction discusses how the author learned about the story and connected with one of the Churchill Club members. This work of nonfiction then alternates between a narrative discussing the formation and activities of the Churchill Club with the recollections of member Knud Pedersen.

Filled with historical photos, maps, artwork, and other primary source documents, the fast-paced story is presented in short chapters that follow the teens from their acts of sabotage through their trial and imprisonment during the War. It concludes with a discussion of what happened to the group members after the War.

To ensure that this book doesn’t get lost in the nonfiction section, consider featuring it along with works of historical fiction. Or, even better, suggest it to youth who enjoy dystopian fiction. This work of nonfiction contains the elements of resistance fighting that youth enjoy in dystopian works. It’s also a great choice for youth who enjoy real-world military and adventure stories.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.philliphoose.com/.

Published by Farrar Straus Giroux on May 12, 2015.

Book Review: Seaborne: The Lost Prince

SEABORNE: THE LOST PRINCE by Matt Myklusch is the first book in a new adventure series featuring a teen boy pirate.

More of a spy than a pirate, young Dean Seaborne is forced to work for the evil pirate king One-Eyed Jack. As an orphan, Seaborne becomes caught between two worlds as he tries to decide whether to continue his pirating ways or side with a beautiful girl from a mythical island.

The fast-paced, swashbuckling action will appeal to the tween audience. The addition of a sea dragon will expand the audience to include those who enjoy fantasy elements. The bright book cover and exciting first chapter (our hero almost gets eaten by sharks) will be a draw for reluctant readers.

Myklusch knows how to write for the tween crowd. He effectively balances description with dialogue for an engaging story. The vocabulary is rich while still being age-appropriate. The action is non-stop and the characters are also on target for youth readers. This fun adventure at sea is a great starting point for readers who enjoy the imaginative world of pirates.

Pirate adventures are a popular sub-genre with endless library promotion possibilities. Plan now for next fall’s “Take Like a Pirate Day” on September 19th. Check out the website at http://www.talklikeapirate.com. They even have a pirate-to-English translator!

To learn more about the author, go to http://mattmyklusch.com/.

Published by Egmont USA on April 14, 2015. Reviewed through NetGalley.

Book Review: Breaking Sky

BREAKING SKY by Cori McCarthy is a fast-paced, science fiction adventure focusing on an elite military program and a hotshot teen pilot testing an experimental jet.

It’s 2048 and America is on the verge of war. Chase is among a select group of daredevil pilots at the United Star Academy flying the “Streaker”, a top-secret prototype jet designed for teen pilots. The strong female protagonist and eclectic cast of characters will appeal to both male and female readers.

McCarthy’s skillful mix of heart-pounding fight sequence descriptions with authentic military comrade dialogue fit perfectly with the book’s themes. The cinematic writing style and non-stop action will appeal to the video game generation.

Librarians and young adult readers alike will immediately see connections to books like Ender’s Game and movies like Top Gun. The futuristic military theme will be popular with fans of dystopian science fiction. The hint of romance and family drama will add to the appeal.

This young adult novel has been optioned by Sony Pictures as a movie, so this title will be popular for awhile. It’s likely that Breaking Sky will kickstart renewed interest in the military, science fiction thriller sub-genre.

Learn more about the author at http://www.corimccarthy.com/.

Published by Sourcebook Fire on March 10, 2015.